Victimology at Trial

Victimology - that is, information about the victim, his or her background, actions, and injuries - is a regular feature of civil and criminal trials. In cases involving victim death, evidence about the victim may be presented by fact witnesses, such as family members and investigators, or by expert witnesses, such as medical examiners, mental health experts, and other qualified professionals. In cases that involve a living victim, the victim may testify to these things in person along with corroboration from family members or medical and mental health professionals. It is fair to say that in a criminal matter, without evidence and testimony related to the victim, there can be no charges, no arrest, and no trial. This chapter will discuss the purpose of victimology, and victimologists, in court proceedings. The first part will review the victim's role at trial, as well as admissibility issues related to victim information. The second part will discuss issues related to forensic examiners that might give victimology evidence, such as expert admissibility and bias. We will conclude with a discussion of the different types of forensic examiners that traditionally give victimology evidence at trial, and why each may be considered relevant.